1. Developing a more Goal-Centered Undergraduate Geomorphology Course
An outcome of the 2003 Innovative Course Design Workshop
Laura J. Moore
University of Virginia
(Formerly at Oberlin College)

2. Overarching Goal:
After completing the course students will be able to think like geomorphologists.
i.e., to make appropriate observations, analyses and predictions of landscape evolution in settings beyond those specifically studied in class.

3. Changes: - Selection based on local setting
1. Cover only 4 major topics in depth
- Selection based on local setting
- Focus on: Hillslopes/Mass Wasting, Fluvial, Glacial and Coastal
- Order is intentional
increasing complexity and layering of local landscapes
2. Give students practice
- Provide substantive opportunities to observe, analyze and predict processes.
- Expand some lab and class activities to allow more in-depth exploration.

4. Changes (cont’d):
3. Students individually apply skills to an unfamiliar process or environment
- Student-selected topics
- Semester-long research project; guidance provided
- Presentation in class poster session
Showcase their work and understanding
Learn from each other

5. Outcomes: Students appreciate depth over breadth.
- Reported high level of overall satisfaction with course.
Students gain confidence.
- Reported high-level of confidence in ability to evaluate geomorphic processes and environments beyond those studied directly.
Learning is enhanced.
- Improved performance on activities requiring higher-order (Bloom’s Taxonomy) skills.
Improved instructor satisfaction!

6. Comments:
Approach worked well at Oberlin College, a small residential, undergraduate institution (2800 students).
Can be adapted in other locations by selecting topics based on local geomorphology.
If you have questions…feel free to me at